I have a '97 XJ 4WD Sport that the gauges don't work. In fact the only sign of life is the lighting of the gauges when the headlights are switched on. No airbag lights, check engine lights, odometer, nothing. Just sits there. I bought it that way, and heard that it could be the BCM causing it. I've swpped clusters - nothing, cleaned the connectors with electronics cleaner - nothing, jiggled wires and again, nothing. Any ideas what it could be and where is the BCM located/what does it look like? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

not an uncommon problem. the contacts at the connector need to be cleaned. use rubbing alcohol and Qtips.

 

Mine was a fuse in the engine bay.....Cant remember exactly which one but that worked for me.

 

Same here me and my buddy blew the fuse messing with fitting lights to the foot wells it's in the engine bay fuse box, from memory it's a 15 amp blue fuse.

 

Definetly check the fuse. 15 amp I believe. Just switched cluster out from idiot light to gauge style & forgot I pulled fuse . When I plugged new gauge cluster in nothing worked, then I remebered fuse was pulled. Under hood r/side in middle of box.

 

Might be a little late but I'm researching a similar issue. That fuse under the hood is a 15a in slot #16 (lower right if your standing at the bumper looking into the engine bay).

I have the same gauge issue but in addition also have all the interior lights out and the radio. I pulled all of the dash apart today and replaced the stereo (didnt work) and removed the overhead console and looked for grounds (didn't work). Tomorrow I'm going to town on the dash to see if I can get something.

 

Did you find a solution to this, my 98 xj sport is doing the same thing? Gauges are not working, nor. Interior lights unless the headlights are on. Changed the 15amp fuse an it all worked but when I turned the jeep off the passenger side parking lights stayed on.

 

my problem was directly related to whatever was blowing the fuse out. Turns out it was the underhood light (the one that lights the engine bay at night) the bulb was broken and must have made contact to the leads and Boom. I pulled it, replaced the fuse and I'm good to go. It seems your problem is a little different. I was also surprised that other things NOT related to that fuse started acting funny. My door locks would only lock with a key in the ignition and the doors shut...WTF

 

I gave up and sold the '97 after finding a newer model. It went to a good home and is probably fixed by now. I did check for a blown fuse, cleaned the contacts, replaced it with a different cluster, took it in and out a few times. No dice.

 

Thank you for the answer I was looking for checked my 15 amp blue fuse. Dead on it man thanks again